Kewra facts for kids
Kewra, also known as keora or kewda, is a special oil made from the male flowers of the fragrant screwpine plant. This plant grows naturally in warm parts of Tropical Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. People in these regions use kewra oil to add flavor to their food.
Kewra flowers have a sweet, flowery smell, a bit like roses but fruitier. The oil is a key ingredient in many special meals in South Asia, especially in dishes from Muslim communities. Kewra flowers and leaves are also important in Hindu religious ceremonies, particularly when people worship the goddess Manasa.
Where Kewra Comes From
Most of the kewra flowers exported from India come from areas around Berhampur city in the Ganjam district. The coastal areas of Chhatrapur, Rangeilunda, Patrapur, and Chikiti are famous for their many fragrant screwpine plants.
Flowers grown near the coast often smell even better than those grown inland. The most famous varieties come from Gopalpur-on-Sea. Growing kewra flowers helps many people in Ganjam district earn a living. There are almost 200 factories that make kewra oil there.
How Kewra is Used
Kewra is used in many ways. It adds a unique flavor to food, especially in traditional South Asian dishes. You might find it in rice dishes like biryani or in sweets.
It is also used in traditional Indian perfumes. These perfumes are often called ittar. Kewra gives them a lovely, natural scent.
